Sad news from Butte, Montana this afternoon. The FAA is reporting the crash of a single engine plane, 500 feet from the runway at Bert Mooney airport in Butte.

Images on CNN show the wreckage of the Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in a cemetery right outside the airport. CNN also reports that the FAA has confirmed 17 people died in the crash, none of which were on the ground.

Initial reports claim that the plane was heading to Bozeman, MT and diverted to Butte. The plane was said to be carrying children on their way to a ski vacation.

According to the manufacturer, the aircraft is rated for 9 passengers and 2 crew members.